A Mother’s Life Cut Short in a Heartbreaking Illinois Crash
Darcy Brunner, 61, the beloved mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner, tragically lost her life on a quiet Saturday afternoon in rural Stephenson County, Illinois. According to Sheriff Steven Stovall, Darcy was traveling northbound on Route 26 in her Ford Edge when her vehicle was struck head-on by a Nissan Altima that had crossed into her lane. The driver of that vehicle, 30-year-old Rolando Ico-Choc of Guatemala, was living in the United States illegally and had prior DUI offenses. Authorities confirmed that both drivers died at the scene. Sheriff Stovall stressed that initial findings indicate Darcy was not at fault, and toxicology reports are still pending.
A Daughter’s Loss and a Community in Mourning
Sophie Brunner, a standout graduate of Freeport Aquin, starred at Arizona State University before joining the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA in 2017. Known for her drive and determination on the court, Sophie is now facing a tragedy no accolade can soften — the sudden, violent loss of her mother. Friends, family, and the entire Freeport community are reeling. Darcy wasn’t just Sophie’s mother; she was a devoted friend, a caring neighbor, and a steadfast supporter of her family. Those who knew her describe her as warm-hearted and full of life, someone who gave generously of her time and love. The crash has left a deep void, one made heavier by the knowledge that it could have been prevented.
A Collision That Ignited a Political Firestorm
This tragedy has stirred intense political debate. State Senator Andrew Chesney and Representative John Cabello have openly condemned Illinois’ TRUST Act, which they say prevented law enforcement from deporting Ico-Choc despite his prior arrests and an ICE detainer. “A life was lost due to someone who should not have been present,” Cabello stated, placing blame on state leadership and urging legislative change. Chesney has introduced Senate Bill 1313 to ensure undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of felonies are reported and deported. Governor JB Pritzker responded that violent noncitizens should indeed be imprisoned or deported, yet the clash over responsibility remains fierce. As the investigation continues, Darcy Brunner’s death stands as both a personal heartbreak and a symbol of larger failures in the system — a reminder that behind every political headline is a real human life, suddenly and unfairly gone.
